Articles

March 29–April 1 Musical Theatre of Anthem Presents “Willy Wonka, Jr.” Get your golden ticket for Musical Theatre of Anthem’s upcoming musical production of “Willy Wonka, Jr.” March 29–April 1 in Anthem. Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.”   The talented cast of 82 local youth, ages 6-12, will take you on a scrumptious journey with Augustus Gloop, Mike Teavee, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and of course, Charlie Bucket. The memorable score features “The Candy Man,” “Pure Imagination,” “Oompa Loompa” and “I Want it Now” by Academy and Grammy award winners Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.   Performances take place on March 29, 30, and 31 at 7 p.m. and March 31 and April 1 at 3 p.m. at Boulder Creek High School’s mini-auditorium, 40404 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem. Tickets may be purchased online. Adult tickets... More

AARP volunteers offer free income tax preparation AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest tax assistance and preparation service, offering free IRS tax preparation for basic personal income tax filings. Once again this year, specially trained financial preparers will be available on designated days to prepare Arizona state and federal tax returns for anyone requiring assistance. Customers do not need to be AARP members to participate. The free service will prepare and e-file basic tax returns primarily for low and moderate income families, with special attention being provided to those individuals aged 60 and older.   This year, AARP Tax-Aide has expanded the number of trained tax counselors and can now accommodate many more taxpayers for added convenience.   The service will be available beginning in February and will run through April 15th at these north Phoenix sites among many others: Beuf Community Center, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., 602-534- 4754 (Thursdays), Deer Valley Senior... More

Are you wondering what an Assisted Living Home is? Have a senior in your life and need a plan? Come to our open house and see for yourself what we’re all about! Serving our community since 2003! You are invited to join us as we celebrate friendships, families and the seniors in our lives!   Please take time out of your busy life to join us! You being there will make a difference! Food, drinks, and a lot of fun will await you! RSVP by emailing cheryl@anthemseniorliving.com or Sam 602-909-9550.   Host: Cheryl Ables & Sam Ile 602-909-9550 When: Friday, March 16th 6-7:30 Where: Anthem Senior Living 40401 N. Copper Basin Trail Anthem, AZ 85086   www.anthemseniorliving.com... More

Writer Donna Kublin   Nestled in the rugged, yet scenic desert foothills, Stagecoach Village in downtown Cave Creek is the setting for the 11th Annual Sonoran Festival of Fine Art March 16, 17 and 18. This juried show features world-class fine art from top local and nationally known artists, live music, wine tasting and demonstrations.   One of the largest and most prestigious open air art shows in the Southwest, the high standards for acceptance into this juried show ensure collector-quality, outstanding artwork in a variety of mediums and styles.   “Many of the over 100 participating artists work primarily out of their home studios and through galleries, so this is a rare opportunity to interact with the artists and select art to purchase directly from them,” said Karen Smith-Lovejoy, festival chair. “Some of the most accomplished artists in the Southwest will be exhibiting originals works.”   Stagecoach Village, located at 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, is an... More

March 19-23 Anthem Soccer Club Spring Camp The Anthem Soccer Club will be hosting a spring skills camp during spring break at Soccer Field #1 (near sand volleyball courts) in the Anthem Community Park, 9 to 11 a.m., Monday through Friday.   Participants will be exposed to quality instruction and led through drills by 18-year pro, and head coach of the Anthem Soccer Club, Mark Kerlin. Each day will feature a new technical development including passing, dribbling, ball control, juggling, shooting and heading skills.   Those participating are asked to bring a soccer ball, appropriate footwear, water and sunscreen. The cost for the camp is $110.   623-582-2413 www.anthemsoccerclub.com... More

Toastmasters Get introduced to Toastmasters to learn more about how this energetic group can help you become the best communicator and community leader you can be. Join Toastmasters at one of the following free events this March held from 12 - 1 p.m. at 5000 West Carefree Highway in the Arizona Game and Fish Department Eagle Room.   March: Communicate a compelling video message to resonate with your audience March 1 Speech Contest March 8 Communicating with Video March 15 OPEN HOUSE!!! Are you an introvert or an extrovert? March 22 Engaging your Video Audience March 29 Critiquing a Video   www.fishtalestm.org... More

Take a Walk for Education Students, families and supporters are invited to take part in the Deer Valley Education Foundation’s First Annual Walk for Education Saturday, March 10 at Sandra Day O’Connor High School, 25250 N. 35th Avenue, Phoenix.   Registration begins at 9 a.m. for this fun and informational walk to celebrate education and create awareness about DVUSD schools, summer programs, community colleges, student services, family events, health screenings and more.   One lucky Deer Valley Unified School District student will win an iPad, and the school with the most participants will earn $150.   Additional sponsors are needed for this great inaugural event. Come show your support for our students and teachers!   Register at www.dvef.org, call 623-445-5012 or email marie.brennan@dvusd.org with questions, or for additional information.  ... More

The Rotary Club of Anthem Announces New Scholarship The Rotary Club of Anthem announced today it will add a sixth $1000 scholarship to their Scholarship Program. The newest scholarship will honor Deputy William Coleman who died last month in the line of duty in Anthem.   The Rotary Board directed the Club’s Scholarship Committee to develop the criteria, application, evaluation and award process. The goal of the new scholarship is to assists individuals pursuing careers in law enforcement, fire fighting, or paramedic training programs at an accredited educational institution.   Tells Dave Newham, Rotary of Anthem president, “We are touched that the Coleman family accepted our offer to honor Deputy Coleman in a manner fitting with the courage, dedication and professionalism he exemplified in our community. We hope the Coleman Scholarship will help offset some of the expenses incurred while seeking training in this noble profession.”   Each year, the Rotary Club of Anthem... More

Boulder Creek Excels at Academic Decathlon The Boulder Creek High Academic Decathlon team participated in their regional tournament, placing third overall in a field of more than forty schools. The team, made up of Shaie Beutler, Kathleen Carroll, Jacky Chen, Ashley Hough, Conrad Smith, Jake Wilkie, Marcus Dovigi, Maddie Anderson, and Trace Marsing has been working toward this goal for several years. The team brought home a huge 3rd place trophy, a trophy for 3rd place in the Super Quiz relay, 18 individual medals as well as nine team medals.   “This wonderful achievement is truly a reflection on the amazing teachers we have here at Boulder Creek,” explained Coach Elizabeth Erickson. The students placed in every subject, including Math, Economics, Physics, Language and Literature, Social Studies, Art and Music. “What an impressive team of people we have here! I have never been more proud of these students and all of the hard work they did, as well as the way they conducted... More

Calling All Fairy Godmothers It’s that time again–the Prom! And Janet Fitzgerald is looking for Fairy Godmothers who can donate gently-used dresses, (cocktail, bridesmaid, prom, gowns) for young ladies who cannot afford a dress for the prom. Shoes and accessories are also accepted by this wonderful lady, who provides a great service to a segment of our community who rarely gain the attention that they need.   The needs of girls in crisis are critical and growing, these young ladies graduate under some of the worst conditions and the “Fairy Godmother“ feels that if they can go to school and graduate, then they deserve to go to the prom and celebrate their achievements.   During your upcoming closet spring-clean, set aside any of those garments appropriate for these young ladies and call the Fairy Godmother to ensure that they find a deserving home.   623-451-0341... More

Writer Donna Kublin   A day of architectural splendor and scenic beauty awaits those who take the Homes Through Time Tour to benefit the Cave Creek Museum on Sunday, March 25.   The tour showcases five architecturally significant homes designed by architects Will Bruder, Frank Imel, Michael P. Johnson, Fred Osmon, and Shelby Wilson. I was fortunate to accompany the ImagesAZ Magazine photographer on a photo shoot of three homes. Each was unique and stunning in its turn. Architect Michael P. Johnson designed and built the home on Sierra Vista Road where he and his wife, Suzanne, have lived for close to 20 years. Residents of Cave Creek since the days when the population was fewer than 500, the Johnsons have a deep abiding love of the desert foothills. When the land became available, they knew they wanted their home to fit the terrain and to capture views of the magnificent mountain ranges.   “Architecture for me is a process of thinking. I study architecture, art, theology,... More

Team Kyle Carnival Saturday, March 3   Show your support for Team Kyle! Join 15-year-old Kyle Gabster in his fight to get a kidney transplant by attending a fun Carnival and Car Wash at Peaks and Valleys Restaurant and Bar, Saturday, March 3 from noon til 4 pm, followed by a teen party from 4 – 6 pm.   Kyle is a freshman at Boulder Creek High School. This summer, while conditioning to play Jaguar football, he found himself constantly sick. Kyle finally ended up in the emergency room, where he and his family were given the shocking news that he was in kidney failure. After weeks in the hospital, he was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease where his immune system attacks his own kidneys. He now has to follow a very strict diet, take several pills a day, get kidney dialysis twice a week, and is waiting to turn 16 so that the Mayo Clinic will put him on the kidney transplant list, which is his only hope at living a normal life.   Medical expenses have piled up for the family, so the... More

The Station re-opens its restaurant doors to the public on Friday, March 9, under new ownership with contemporary changes appealing to returning patrons and welcoming firsttime diners. Though The Station’s doors have seen customers since the early 1900s, it still stands as a symbol for American Travelers and a key piece in Arizona’s history.   Having played a variety of roles in the community in the past, the building has been a sheep sheering station, a convenience store and one of the first Greyhound stations in Arizona. The Station has developed a legacy in serving local cowboys and road workers large portions of homemade stew, beans and roasts. Today, The Station sticks to its Western roots with servings of quality, home-style cooking.   Daniela Panfil, Sustainability Manager, states, “We are committed to serving fresh, non-frozen, allnatural ingredients, trying to stay true to the homemade kind of food cowboys would have back in the day.” The building itself is... More

March 8 North Phoenix Praise and Coffee A non-denominational Christian women’s group meets the second Thursday of each month to connect, encourage and inspire. Each month a different speaker and topic is featured. This month Katheryn Deegan will speak to the group.   Outlets at Anthem Community Room, Suite 435 www.praiseandcoffeenorthphoenix.webs.com Karmann Powell: 928-899-8956... More

March 5 Anthem Emergency Responders Fund Charity Golf Tournament The Anthem Golf & Country Club, Ironwood Golf Course will play host to the 1st Annual Charity Golf Tournament benefiting the Anthem Emergency Responders Fund, March 5. The fund honors emergency responders serving the Anthem area through services and financial assistance whenever their families face unexpected tragedies.   The event will begin with registration at noon, a shotgun start at 1 p.m. and a BBQ at the conclusion of play. The format of the event will be a four-person scramble with on-course contests. Individual entry is $150, which includes green fees, golf cart and BBQ dinner. A foursome can be purchased for $500. Additional guests can attend the BBQ for $35 for adults, $15 for children (6-12) and kids five and under free.   For more information about this event or sponsorship opportunities please contact Private Event Director Kathy Cuaderno at 623-465-3021.  ... More